Founded in 1948, the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater is the longest continuous running puppet theater in the United States. Puppet performances are presented throughout the year by a variety of troupes. The theater presents approximately 45 shows a year, with different shows each week: 12 shows a week during the winter and 15 shows a week during the summer. The theater has 6 rotating resident puppeteers and 2 associate puppeteers plus occasional guest artists from around the United States. The theater seats 200 with a large proscenium stage and many of productions are "full-stage" using life-size puppets.

The Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater is sponsored in part by the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department.